Daily Bible Reading – March 2022: God’s Renewing Word of PrayerChikamu

March 26

Introduction

Following Daniel’s prayer, the angel Gabriel approaches him to explain what the LORD had told the prophet Jeremiah (see 9:2 from yesterday’s reading). The “Awful Horror” (verse 27) is a reference to a pagan image set up in the Jerusalem Temple by foreign conquerors or to an altar used to make sacrifices to foreign gods (see Daniel 11:31 and also 1 Maccabees 1:54-64 in the Apocrypha). The powerful ruler referenced in verse 26 is Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who controlled Palestine from 175–164 B.C. and tried to get the Jewish people to abandon their worship and customs and adopt the Greek lifestyle. The “Awful Horror” remained in the Temple for three and a half years until the time when the Temple was purified and rededicated (see 1 Maccabees 4:36-61).

Scripture Reading

Daniel 9:20-27

Today’s Key Verse: Daniel 9:22

[Gabriel said to Daniel:] “Daniel, I have come here to help you understand the prophecy. When you began to plead with God, he answered you. He loves you, and so I have come to tell you the answer. Now pay attention while I explain the vision.”

Reflect

What is the angel’s message to Daniel? What verses speak of hope and restoration? What is Gabriel’s message in verses 26 and 27? Are there ways in which God is dishonored today?

Pray

God of hope and restoration, we trust in your eternal justice. Guide us each day as we seek to establish your reign here on earth. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

2 Chronicles 6:1-11: King Solomon speaks to the people.